Written questions by Babarinde.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to provide funding for social rented housing.

In October 2024, the government announced £500 million in new in-year funding for the Affordable Homes Programme. As a result of significant demand from housing providers across the country, that additional funding is already oversubscribed. In February 2025, the government announced a further allocation of £300 million to the Affordable Homes Programme. This will support the near-term delivery of more social and affordable housing, delivering up to 2,800 new homes with more than half being Social Rent homes. We have asked Homes England and the Greater London Authority to maximise Social Rent homes in allocating the remaining Affordable Homes Programme funding. At the multi-year Spending Review later this year, the government will set out details of new investment to succeed the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme. This new investment will deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and homeownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for Social Rent.

What steps the Government is taking (a) to protect the right to peaceful protest and (b) to prevent politically motivated prosecutions against peaceful protesters.

Peaceful protest is a vital part of our democracy. It is a long-standing tradition in this country that people are free to gather and to demonstrate their views, provided that they do so within the law. This Government is committed to protecting and preserving that right.The decision to prosecute an individual is a decision for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who are operationally independent of Government.

What steps he is taking to ensure consistency of waiting times for pessary ring treatment for prolapsed bladders in (a) East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, (b) Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust and (c) other NHS Trusts.

We have committed to return to the NHS constitutional standard that 92% of patients, including those waiting for pessary ring treatment for bladder prolapse, wait no longer than 18 weeks from Referral to Treatment (RTT) by March 2029. As a first step, we have delivered early an additional two million operations, scans, and appointments across elective services. There are a range of efforts underway, nationally and in East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, to reduce the time patients are waiting for care. The Elective Reform Plan sets out actions to reform outpatient care, which is a key part of the National Health Service’s approach to cutting waiting times for patients, including in high volume specialisms such as gynaecology.Women’s health hubs have a key role in shifting care out of hospitals and reducing gynaecology waiting lists. NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board, which covers East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, has launched Women’s Health Hubs in five locations, namely Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove, Worthing, and Horsham. Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a new Women’s Health Hub model, as part of a new South West London initiative to improve care and reduce waiting times for women. Suggested core services for hubs include pessary fitting and removal, including for pelvic organ prolapse.The Government remains committed to improving women’s health and we are working with NHS England on how we take forward the women’s health strategy by aligning it to the Missions and forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan.

If she will take steps to introduce medal recognition for emergency services personnel injured in the line of duty.

The Home Office is happy to consider proposals for new medals for members of the emergency services who get injured in the line of duty. It is only right that we recognise the sacrifices made by these personnel, and it is important to make sure this is done in a proportionate and effective manner.Any official medal for emergency services personnel is a gift from the Government, on behalf of His Majesty The King to recognise individuals within the service. The creation of a new medal requires cross Government consensus and approval from the Committee on The Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (“HD Committee”), before advice is put to HM The King to make his final decision.

What steps he is taking to improve access to Automated External Defibrillators in residential areas.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed funding applications against requirements specified by the Department. Although no decision has been made to develop a national strategy to place defibrillators in high need areas, these requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated to where there is the greatest need, for instance remote communities with extended ambulance response times, places with high footfall and high population densities, hotspots for cardiac arrest including sporting venues and venues with vulnerable people, and deprived areas.

What steps she is taking to expand peer-led initiatives in prisons and probation services.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

What steps she is taking to ensure that peer mentors in the criminal justice system are adequately trained and supported in their roles.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

What steps her Department has taken to stop vetting processes barring those with criminal records being offered peer support roles in the justice sector.

The Ministry of Justice supports employment for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and we are committed to giving them the support they need to thrive.The Department is responsible for the care, supervision and rehabilitation of thousands of people. As well as reducing re-offending, there is a duty to protect the public, and victims of crime. Security vetting is vital to ensure that we can deliver these objectives effectively.For people with lived experience who are unable to attain security clearance, including for peer support roles, we have introduced two alternative entry schemes: Going Forward into Employment and Standard Plus. Applicants with recent offending history or who have recently left prison are risk-assessed for suitable roles within the organisation.These schemes allow a more holistic approach to risk assessment, taking into account evidence of personal growth and rehabilitation, with a greater focus on how we can mitigate any risks, so that HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) can make use of the skills and qualities that people with lived experience may be able to offer the organisation.There are, however, certain offences that we consider to pose an unmanageable risk to the safety and security of HMPPS, those working in any capacity, for or on behalf of HMPPS, prisoners, people on probation, visitors, and the public. This may mean that individuals who have committed these offences may never be granted security clearance.

What assessment her Department has made of the contribution of peer support programs to reducing reoffending rates in the criminal justice system.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

Whether she plans to support the reintroduction of Eurostar services to (a) Ebbsfleet and (b) Ashford.

I recognise the continued disappointment felt by communities and businesses in Kent about the continued cessation of Eurostar services. I too am keen to see the reinstatement of these services, recognising this is a commercial decision for Eurostar.The Government is engaging with Kent stakeholders, including MPs, councillors and representative organisations to discuss this issue and is committed to continue to explore potential solutions including with potential new operators.

How much funding her Department is providing to promote peer support schemes in (a) custody and (b) community settings in the criminal justice system.

Peer mentoring already plays an important role in supporting rehabilitation within prison and probation services. It is currently used in various ways, including providing lived experience insights of probation community requirements, and direct one-to-one mentoring. Some peer-led services are also delivered by external organisations, further supporting rehabilitation efforts. Overall, there is national variation in delivery of peer led services.The Ministry of Justice has not specifically assessed the contribution of peer mentoring schemes in relation to reducing offending.The Ministry of Justice intends that any expansion of peer-led initiatives is informed by evidence, ensuring that growth supports safe and effective rehabilitation. Additionally, every prison has been encouraged to deliver peer mentoring as part of the prison regime. This will help to embed peer support across the custodial estate, promoting rehabilitative engagement and enhancing prisoners’ access to mentoring opportunities.There are several routes currently available for training and accreditation with most prisons offering a peer mentoring training and some offering higher learning with City and Guilds and other advice and guidance qualifications. In probation there has also been localised training created to deliver to peer mentors.The funds for peer support schemes in both custody and community settings are delivered through various routes within prison and probation budgets. Funding is allocated regionally and locally by leadership teams, often through commissions and direct awards. As this funding is embedded within broader rehabilitation and resettlement budgets, it is not possible to publish a single figure for departmental spending on these initiatives.

Communities and Local Government, what progress she has made on the implementation of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

The Government is taking action to implement the measures in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. On 4 November I laid a Written Ministerial Statement confirming that we will publish the consultation in the new year. We also remain committed to establishing a Supported Housing Advisory Panel.A consultation on the measures in the Act will be published shortly. We are in the process of establishing the Supported Housing Advisory Panel. This has closed to applications, and we will confirm membership of the Panel in due course.

If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations of the report entitled Nothing has changed, published by Citizens Advice Eastbourne in January 2025.

We are committed to reforming the system of health and disability benefits so that it promotes and enables employment amongst as many people as possible. We will set out our proposals in a Health and Disability Green Paper ahead of the Spring Statement. Whilst there will be no specific assessment made from the report, we are committed to putting the views and voices of disabled people at the heart of all that we do, so we will consult on these proposals with disabled people and representative organisations. We welcome the views of Citizens Advice Eastbourne and all other stakeholders.

If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of supporting sports and leisure facilities with energy costs.

The Government is committed to making energy affordable for everyone, including non-domestic consumers. The best way to safeguard against spikes in bills is to speed up our transition towards clean power. In the short-term we will strengthen the measures in place to protect these consumers from unfair and expensive energy contracts.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of Sections 69-72 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 on human rights.

This Government will defend the rule of law and uphold human rights. We are carefully considering the impact of sections 69-72 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 on human rights.

What steps her Department is taking to help support local authorities to fix (a) poor quality and (b) unsafe pavements.

The Government is committed to enabling local highway authorities to maintain and renew their local highway networks, including the footways that make up such an essential part of them. The Chancellor announced an extra £500 million for local highway maintenance at Budget 2024 for the 2025/26 financial year, which, for most authorities including East Sussex County Council, will mean an increase of nearly 40% compared to the current financial year. The funding is for all parts of the highway network, including footways, and it is up to each authority to determine how the funding is spent. The Government encourages local highway authorities to consider the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, when planning their highway maintenance programmes. As well as the big uplift in maintenance funding, the Government has also announced an extra £100 million investment in active travel infrastructure next year, which will allow local authorities to improve footways in their areas. Further details of how this funding will be allocated will be announced shortly.

What (a) employment and (b) mental health support is available to entrepreneurs whose businesses go into liquidation.

The Department for Work and Pensions' new jobs and careers service will bring together Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service in England. This will deliver a new, locally led system of work and health support for those who are economically inactive, including entrepreneurs whose businesses have gone into liquidation. The support includes face-to-face, phone, and a radically enhanced digital offer through a single 'front door' for those wishing to get back into work. Entrepreneurs looking for support with common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies Services or be referred by their GP. Anyone in England experiencing a mental health crisis can now speak to a trained NHS professional at any time through a new mental health option on NHS 111. Information on where to find local NHS support is available to the public through the NHS every mind matters website https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/. There is also the Hub of Hope, which is the UK’s leading mental health support database. The Hub brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place, so that anyone struggling can find the most appropriate support. The Hub can be found at hubofhope.co.uk.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of raising the temperature threshold requirement for triggering the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.

The Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) is a voluntary protocol which can be triggered for any adverse weather condition that poses a risk to people who are homeless or rough sleeping. In such circumstances, the local authority will work closely with local partners to provide emergency accommodation.Extreme cold weather conditions can cause serious health problems or even death for those who are exposed overnight or for long periods of time. Historically, SWEP was triggered when the temperature forecast was zero degrees or below for three days. It is now best practice to take a common-sense approach; where the temperature forecast approaches zero, the impact of rain, snow and wind chill are considered, and the ‘feels like’ temperature is checked, along with conditions underfoot (e.g., ice).Guidance on SWEP is published by Homeless Link and is available here: https://homeless.org.uk/knowledge-hub/guidance-on-cold-weather-provision-swep-and-heatwaves/

What funding her Department provided to the (a) Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline, (b) National Perpetrator Helpline, (c) Men’s Advice Line, (d) Galop national LGBT+ victims' Helpline, (e) National Stalking Helpline and (f) Revenge Porn Helpline in financial year (i) 2023-24 and (ii) 2024-25.

The Home Office allocated funding to the following organisations in FY2023-24 and FY2024-25:Name of organisationFY2023-24 AllocationFY2024-25 AllocationRefuge - National Domestic Abuse Helpline£2,079,718£1,000,000Respect – Perpetrator Helpline£150,000£150,000Respect – Men's Advice Line£290,000£200,000Galop – LGBT+ Victims Helpline£200,000£200,000Suzy Lamplugh Trust – Stalking Helpline£160,430£160,430South West Grid for London – Revenge Porn Helpline£150,000£150,000Karma Nirvanan – Honour Based Abuse Helpline£165,000£165,000Total£3,195,148£2,025,430The Home Office has allocated funding to Karma Nirvana – Honour Based Abuse Helpline as outlined in the table above.

What funding her Department provided to the (a) Survivors Trust Helpline, (b) National Male Survivor Helpline, and (c) Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline in financial year (i) 2023-24 and (ii) 2024-25.

The Ministry of Justice funds a range of support services for victims and survivors of sexual violence.In financial year (FY) 2023-24, the Ministry of Justice provided funding of £38,907.75 to Survivors Trust Helpline (grant funding ended on 30 June 2023), £244,887.00 to the National Male Survivor Helpline, and £2,522,082.32 to the national 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line delivered by Rape Crisis England and Wales.In FY 2024-25, the Ministry of Justice has allocated £244,887.00 to the National Male Survivor Helpline, and £2,751,465.85 to the national 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line delivered by Rape Crisis England and Wales. The Survivors Trust Helpline was not funded by the Ministry of Justice in FY 2024-25. The actual grant funding amounts provided in FY 2024-25 will not be confirmed until after the FY ends, as actual spend may differ from that which is forecast.